Kidney Disease

The kidneys have a very specialized job – every day, healthy kidneys filter and clean 120 to 150 quarts of blood, produce 1 to 2 quarts of urine to remove unwanted waste matter that the body does not need, keep electrolytes stable, and make hormones that help regulate blood pressure. Healthy kidneys allow urine to flows from the kidneys to the bladder through two thin tubes of muscle called ureters where it is stored until the bladder fills with urine and is ready to be emptied. Individuals with normal kidney function experience this process multiple times be day; however, patients with renal failure (kidney disease) require medical intervention to complete this process.

Renal Failure

Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that result in loss of normal kidney function. There are several different types of renal failure:

Acute renal failure has a sudden onset and is sometimes reversible. Early kidney disease can take on many symptoms that indicate damage or decreased function. Many people urinate less frequently and have foul smelling or dark urine along with blood or pressure when urinating.

Chronic renal failure progresses slowly over at least three months and can lead to permanent renal failure. Symptoms affect every part of the body including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle cramps, high blood pressure and swelling in the lower extremities.

Risk Factors

Some people are at greater risk than others due to lifestyle, illness, or genetics:

Type 1 or type 2 diabetes

Glomerulonephritis

High blood pressure

Age 65 or older

Obesity

Family history of kidney failure

Renal Failure Treatment

Dr. Tilara can offer several treatment options, depending on the severity of a patient’s renal disease, aimed at optimizing and allowing dialysis to restore healthy filtration of the body. Dialysis is a procedure that is routinely performed on patients diagnosed with acute, chronic renal failure, or end-stage renal disease. The process involves removing waste substances and fluid from the blood that are normally eliminated by the kidneys. During a dialysis treatment, a machine pumps blood from your body by way of a flexible, plastic tube called a catheter, cleans it and then returns it to your body through a separate catheter tube. To learn more about dialysis, click on one of the links below:

Atlanta Vascular and Vein Center is located in Lawrenceville, GA servicing patients living in Metro Atlanta, Gwinnett County and the surrounding communities including Duluth, Dacula, and Grayson. Call 678-878-4555 today to schedule an appointment today.

Atlanta Vascular and Vein Clinic

Dr. Amish Tilara is a highly trained specialist uniquely qualified to treat your vascular conditions. He specializes in minimally invasive techniques with little to no pain or recovery time. He and his entire staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient comfort and excellent clinical results.

** The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.